Perception of socio-professional categories on the sexuality and sexual practices of young people and adolescents through the interventions of the Centres des Jeunes Amour & Vie (CJAV) of the department of Zou, Benin.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4314/rasp.v8i1.6Keywords:
Perceptions, Crowned Heads, CJAV, Zou, sexual practices.Abstract
Social norms through taboos in the Abomey region are partly hindering the implementation of interventions related to adolescent and young people's sexual health. In other areas, this context limits access to sex education and information and neglects the needs of adolescents. The creation of Young Love & Life Centres (CJAV) in the municipality of Zou aims to provide access to sex education information. However, discussions have revealed deep tensions regarding perceptions and acceptance of the CJAV. Our study aims to understand the perceptions of different socio-professional categories regarding CJAV interventions. In November 2024, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 respondents purposively selected from the municipalities where the interventions took place. An interview guide was used to collect qualitative data, which was analysed using Dedoose software. The results highlight three types of perceptions: positive, negative and mixed. It is therefore necessary to develop an educational program that takes into account the needs of young people and other social groups. Such a program could improve the acceptability, efficacy and even efficiency of interventions in similar contexts.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Sêmêvo Yves Roland Frejus 1977, Sabine T. TOUNGAKOUAGOU SAMA, Géraud PADONOU, Anthelme AGBODANDE, Thierry Armel ADOUKONOU

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